Researchers in Louisiana have revealed that U.S. residents face alarmingly high rates of sexual harassment and assault, even after the MeToo movement. Supporters describe #MeToo as a social movement and awareness campaign against sexual abuse, sexual harassment and rape culture. The study comes from researchers at the Newcomb Institute at Tulane University in New Orleans.
As reporter Matt Bloom with WRKF Baton Rouge Public Radio explains, the Tulane researchers surveyed over 3,300 US adults and found that 82% of women and 42% of men have experienced some form of sexual harassment or assault in their lifetime. One in 4 adults reported it in the past year alone. The results are spelled out in the #MeTOO 2024 Report.
For some historical context, the phrase “Me Too” was initially used on social media in 2006, on Myspace, by sexual assault survivor and activist Tarana Burke. Once the phrase became a viral social media hashtag, Burke founded the movement in 2017, as spelled out in a Harvard University case study.
The Tulane researchers conducted what would become their first #MeToo report in 2018. Yet, despite international attention and greatly heightened awareness of sexual harassment and assault, the social scientists stated that their work shows the number of reported cases has not changed.
In a written statement, Newcomb Institute Executive Director Anita Raj, PhD, concludes:
"While attitudes and policies have improved since the start of the #MeToo movement, our latest data shows that sexual harassment and assault remain a pervasive problem across our society with clear social and health impacts on victims," Raj said. "Policies to date have focused on workplace harassment and provide little to no attention to the far more pervasive issue of street harassment and harassment of youth. More urgent action is needed to address this crisis and create a safer environment for all – at work, at school, in our homes and in public spaces.”
Four years after the #MeToo movement began, the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research released a report on October 15, 2021, stating:
“Nearly half of Americans say the recent attention to sexual misconduct has had a positive impact on the United States overall, and 61% think it has been beneficial for women.”
The Newcomb Institute’s #MeToo 2024 Report Executive Summary calls for law enforcement, workplace and school leaders to develop more interventions to stop sexual harassment. And for government leaders to boost up assault reporting mechanisms and social services.
